Wisdom, the Key to the Tree of Life - A Study of the Book of Proverbs (Chapter 3)

Finding the Tree of Life

Proverbs 3: 13 – 18 paints a beautiful picture of Lady Wisdom, and tells us how happy and blessed the person is who finds her, and holds fast to her, will be.

All that wisdom can give is more precious than silver and gold. That’s a pretty strong statement considering the desirability of these precious metals. But wisdom is worth even more.

Wisdom has more value than beautiful gems; everything you can desire is worthless next to wisdom.

Lady Wisdom holds a long and blessed life in her hands. She will shower us with honor and peace, and show us the road to true happiness. She is a tree of life to the ones who will take hold of her, and everyone who sits at her feet will find happiness.

You’re blessed when you meet Lady Wisdom, when you make friends with Madame Insight.

She’s worth far more than money in the bank; her friendship is better than a big salary.

Her value exceeds all the trappings of wealth; nothing you could wish for holds a candle to her.

With one hand, she gives long life; with the other she confers recognition.

The Foundations of Creation

Verses 19 and 20 of Proverbs 3, states that the Lord, by wisdom, laid the foundation of the earth, by understanding, He established the heavens (stars and constellations), and by knowledge, the seas were divided, and clouds drop down the dew. (Weather patterns established)

To me, these verses put many arguments about creation to rest. Does it actually matter if it took 7-days or 7-million years to create the earth?

The most significant facts I see here is that God spoke, and it was created, (God’s word is filled with power).

Through the wisdom of the Lord, He laid the foundation of the earth. All the things we learned in college science classes, God used that wisdom to create the earth, because He is wisdom.

Same with astronomy, He created the heavens with the understanding of the planets, stars, and scientific relativity, because He is that understanding and the oceans were divided, and the weather patterns established through His knowledge because He is that knowledge.

As we travel on into verses 21 – 26, we are told not to let these wise words depart from our eyes. For years, I have studied the book of Proverbs, keeping my eyes on the words of wisdom, and I've never come away empty.

We are to keep sound wisdom and discretion (superior judgment and insight needed to avoid embarrassing or upsetting others); these two together will give our soul life and grace. There are plenty of foolish and egotistical people around us every day, if we let their ways affect us, we can end up stressed, angry and even bitter, the absolute opposite of the things that wisdom and discretion provide.

If we are filled with wisdom, and are walking in discretion, we'll be on a safe and steady path through life. Even our sleep will be peaceful and sweet, and there will be nothing in our lives to fear.

Verse 26 tells us,

The Lord will be our confidence, and keep our way safe.

In-other-words, Gods got your back!

Wise living is rewarded with Godly honor, but those who act foolishly shall wear shame like a suit of clothes. | Source

Be Kind to Others

Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you are with friends, and about to go eat, or go to the movie or something, and you realize that you forgot your money? Has a friend offered to cover your expenses and you promise to pay them back the next day?

Verse 27 and 28 tell us:

do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so.

Don’t say to your neighbor, Go, and come back and tomorrow I will give it, when you have it with you. (NKJV)

In-other-words, if you have promised to pay your friend back and you have the money, give them what you owe them.

The Message Bible says it like this:

Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.

Wow! Our hands are God’s hands when we help those in need. This is such a powerful revelation.

We are told not to hold off giving aid when we have what others need at our disposal. Don’t talk yourself out of doing the right thing. Don’t take advantage of those who innocently trust you.

I once heard a woman tell the story of how the pastor’s refrigerator quit, and he was asking the church for a replacement. The woman thought she would give the pastor her refrigerator and buy a new one that she had been wanting. But when she went to purchase the new refrigerator, she felt the spirit of God directing her in another way.

“I felt that God was asking me why I wanted to give Him my leftovers, I felt ashamed, and had the new refrigerator delivered to the pastor’s house that day.”

Verse 30, warns us not to be in conflict with others, not to walk around with a chip on our shoulder just waiting for a fight. In 31, we are told not to envy ruthless people, don’t become like the bullies of the world who intimidate everyone around them to get their way.

Why? Because God will not respect or bless people who take advantage or oppress others. It may seem as if they have everything, but trust me, the one thing they do not have is God’s peace.

In fact, Verse 33 tells us that God curses the house of the wicked, but He blesses the home of the righteous, the ones who are always seeking and walking in the way of wisdom.

And, in Verses 34 and 35:

Surely He scorns the scornful, but gives grace to the humble.

The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the consequence of fools.

Wise living is rewarded with Godly honor, but those who act foolishly shall wear shame like a suit of clothes.